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Best Attractions in Reykjavik (2026)

Reykjavik's sights are compact and varied, mixing striking modern architecture, museums that explain how Iceland was settled and shaped, and open spaces where nature is never far away. Hallgrímskirkja, with its tower views, and Harpa, the glass concert hall on the harbour, are the two buildings most visitors see first, and the walk between them takes you through the heart of the old town. Tjörnin lake, the National Gallery of Iceland and the National Museum of Iceland sit close together south of the centre, while the Reykjavik Art Museum's Hafnarhús is by the harbour. Perlan, on Öskjuhlíð hill, combines a nature exhibition with one of the best viewpoints in the city.

Most central sights can be reached on foot, and you can see the main buildings in a day, although the museums deserve more time. The Reykjavik City Card covers entry to many museums and pools and includes the ferry to Viðey, so compare it with individual tickets if you plan several visits. Check opening hours before you go, as some attractions keep shorter hours outside summer. Combine Höfði House with a seafront walk, and keep a clear, calm day for Viðey or the tower of Hallgrímskirkja. Indoor sights such as Perlan and the museums are good choices when the weather turns.

10 places · Updated October 27, 2026

Our top 3 attractions in Reykjavik

  1. Hallgrímskirkja Lutheran church and viewing tower, SkólavörðuholtReykjavik's landmark Lutheran church on Skólavörðuholt hill, designed by Guðjón Samúelsson, with a lift up the tower for views across the city and bay.
  2. Harpa Concert Hall Concert hall and conference centre, Old Harbour / AusturbakkiReykjavik's glass-fronted concert hall on the harbour, home to the Iceland Symphony Orchestra, with a facade designed with artist Olafur Eliasson and four performance halls.
  3. Perlan Nature museum and observation deck, ÖskjuhlíðGlass-domed nature museum on Öskjuhlíð hill, built over the city's hot water tanks, with an indoor ice cave, a northern lights planetarium show and a 360-degree viewing deck.

Attraction

1. Hallgrímskirkja

Lutheran church and viewing towerSkólavörðuholt

Reykjavik's landmark Lutheran church on Skólavörðuholt hill, designed by Guðjón Samúelsson, with a lift up the tower for views across the city and bay.

View details — Hallgrímskirkja

Attraction

2. Harpa Concert Hall

Concert hall and conference centreOld Harbour / Austurbakki

Reykjavik's glass-fronted concert hall on the harbour, home to the Iceland Symphony Orchestra, with a facade designed with artist Olafur Eliasson and four performance halls.

View details — Harpa Concert Hall

Attraction

3. Perlan

Nature museum and observation deckÖskjuhlíð

Glass-domed nature museum on Öskjuhlíð hill, built over the city's hot water tanks, with an indoor ice cave, a northern lights planetarium show and a 360-degree viewing deck.

View details — Perlan

Attraction

6. Tjörnin

City lake and birdlifeMiðborg

The shallow lake at the heart of central Reykjavik, beside City Hall, visited by dozens of water bird species and ringed by footpaths, museums and old houses.

View details — Tjörnin

Attraction

7. Höfði House

Historic house and Cold War summit siteBorgartún

The white wooden house by the sea where Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev held their 1986 summit, now used by the City of Reykjavik for official receptions.

View details — Höfði House

Attraction

9. Viðey Island

Island with history, art and natureKollafjörður bay

Small island a short ferry ride from Reykjavik with walking trails, birdlife, an 18th-century stone house, Richard Serra's basalt sculpture and Yoko Ono's Imagine Peace Tower.

View details — Viðey Island